Cyclone Thane : Tamil Nadu limps back to life

A day after Cyclone Thane crossed the Tamil Nadu coast, leaving 37 people dead, life started limping back to normalcy in the worst affected Cuddalore district. "Major roads are being cleared of uprooted trees and the traffic is being restored. People are returning home from relief camps," Cuddalore Deputy Superintendent of Police S Vanitha said.

However, people will have to usher in 2012 in darkness as officials said it would take at least two days to restore power supply in the district. The power absence has affected banking operations in the district and created water supply problems. In addition shopkeepers have started hiking rates for basic necessities like milk and candles.

At least 37 people have died in south India -- 26 in Tamil Nadu, four in Kerala and seven in Puducherry -- due to electrocution, falling of trees and collapsing roofs and walls. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has ordered the release of Rs 150 crore towards relief and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure in the state.